Overview & Reviews

Before Saturn was forced to call it a career after the 2009 GM bankruptcy affair, the Saturn Vue was one of the company's more endearing products. The Vue debuted in 2002 as GM's first home-grown entry in the car-based small-SUV segment, it recorded solid sales but not much critical acclaim. To compensate for the latter, Saturn made steady improvements and expanded the Vue's model lineup with the high-performance Red Line and hybrid Green Line variants. Though still not as polished as other top compact SUVs, the first-generation Vue remained attractive because of its low price and Saturn's famed no-hassle buying experience.

Introduced for 2008, the second-generation Saturn Vue improved upon the original's formula in many areas. This Vue shared much of its basic structure with the Antara, a small SUV produced by Opel, GM's Germany-based European division. While we usually roll our eyes at so-called badge engineering, this was one instance where we were flag-waving fans. The second-generation Vue was a remarkable improvement over its forebear, looking and feeling like a European-designed car that just happened to have Saturn badges.

However, Saturn's departure from the scene changes our view of the Vue. Given the first-generation Vue's spotty reliability record and the second-generation's European parts sourcing, we'd advise steering clear of used Vues unless you find an outstanding deal that leaves room for expected maintenance costs.

Most Recent Saturn Vue

The second-generation Saturn Vue was produced from 2008-'09. Compared to the earlier Vue, it was very similar in size, with a nearly identical wheelbase and marginally greater width and height. However, its exterior was constructed of steel body panels. Although the old Vue's plastic ones prevented unsightly dings, they also looked cheap and created huge panel gaps. The second-generation Vue's interior was also higher in quality with improved ergonomics.

The five-passenger compact Vue crossover was available in three trim levels: base XE, midgrade XR and sporty Red Line. A 2.4-liter inline-4 that produced 164 horsepower and 160 pound-feet of torque was standard on the XE and for '09, on the XR. It was connected to a four-speed automatic. An optional 3.5-liter V6 was available on the XE, and it sent 215 hp and 220 lb-ft through a six-speed automatic. A 3.6-liter V6 (also matched to a six-speed auto) that generated 257 hp and 248 lb-ft was standard on the XR for '08 and optional for '09. The Red Line was available only with the 3.6-liter V6. A manual-shift feature for the automatic transmission was standard on the Red Line and optional on the XR. Front- or all-wheel drive was available on each trim.

When compared to other compact SUVs, the Vue was on the small side, with only 56 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, almost 20 cubes less than some of its key competitors. Passenger space was good, however, with a reclining rear seat that offered decent legroom. Front seat comfort was good as well, although some found the bottom cushions a little short and the seats in general lacking lateral and lumbar support.

In reviews of the front-drive Saturn Vue XR, we found it to be a real competitor in the rapidly expanding compact-SUV market. Although others offered more space or a more entertaining driving experience, the Vue made up for it with European-inspired styling, a well-built and attractive cabin, composed handling and respectably strong engine choices.

Past Saturn Vue Models

The first-generation Saturn Vue was produced from 2002-'07 with plastic body panels (the second-generation has steel) and no specific trim levels. Though this Vue's interior was always second-rate, it was notably improved for the 2006 model year; models built previously were even more deficient in terms of interior materials quality and ergonomics. One should also note that Saturn offered a continuously variable transmission (CVT) from the 2002-'05 model years. Fitted to the 143-hp 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine, the CVT provided improved fuel mileage compared to the five-speed automatic. But long-term reliability was apparently an issue and Saturn discontinued it. It was replaced by a five-speed automatic as the optional transmission, while a five-speed manual remained standard equipment.

Finally, Vues built through the 2004 model year had a 181-hp, 3.0-liter V6 instead of the later Honda-engineered 3.5-liter V6 that was more refined and powerful with 250 hp. With this bigger engine came a few more features, including the option of all-wheel drive and the "Red Line" performance package.

In reviews, the first-generation Saturn Vue earned favorable commentary for its strong 3.5-liter V6 engine, roomy cabin, comfortable ride and dent-resistant plastic body panels. Noted downsides included below-average build quality, low-grade interior materials, vague steering and weak performance from the base four-cylinder engine.

User Reviews:

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  disappointed - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By exoterica - May 22 - 2:00 am

  A real disappointment, especially with the mileage. It promised 23/28, and it is closer to 16/19. The dealer siad there was nothing wrong with the car and nothing they could do about it. Have also had the door fixed, windshield cleaner valves fixed with only 3000 miles.

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  LUV my VUE - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By travis3603 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I test drove several different makes of SUVs but wanted something that didnt feel "bulky" & clunky! I found it the moment I got behind the wheel of the Saturn Vue. This thing handles like a car, has plenty of power to get me up & down the hills of TN, and is roomy enough for my 67" son to sit comfortably in the back seat. THANK YOU, SATURN

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  I LOVE THIS VEHICLE! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By TraciRenee - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I saw the Saturn Vue in a mall and fell in love at first sight. I have always bought cars for practical purposes but this car is purely a pleasure purchase. My model is loaded with leather, 6 CD changer, sunroof and I love it all. It handles well on the road and the pick up is fantastic. It is bigger than a car but not so big that it is difficult to park or handle. I like sitting a little higher than in a typical car. The Saturn dealership folks are also as nice and responsive as you here. I would recommend this car highly although I will hate to see too many on the road as I like being one of few right now.

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  My Saturn - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Sky - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I was in the market for a new vehicle and had seen the new VUEs, so I went to check them out. I drove the vehicle, told the salesman that I wanted to check out some different dealers, and would make my decision then. I think I test drove nearly every SUV on the market, but they couldnt match up with the Saturn--I was in love! When I bought this vehicle, it had 17 miles on it and I had put most of them on it test driving it several times. I have had my Saturn VUE for 8 months now, and would recommend it to anyone.

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  AWESOME !!! - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By dyhardbear - May 21 - 10:00 am

  love it ... fun to drivve ... gets plenty of looks .... Ya just gotta love the orange

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  What a Champ! - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Family Man - May 19 - 10:43 am

  I am in outside sales and I drive all over town and I havent had a single problem. Ive had the vehicle for 11 months and have just about 35k miles on it. The only items that needed to be replaced were the factory tires. There are no creeks or rattles and I love it. This was the best car I bought and the best thing is that I only paid $22K for it! I also get 23-25 mpg in town and in stop and go traffic.

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  You Should VUE - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By emjones - May 14 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Saturn I owned, first was a 1996 SL1. Also a great vechile, I put 100,000 in 6 six years, and plan on doing the same with my VUE. I really appreciate the space and airy feeling when driving it. Very comfortable and practicle. Being 53" or 63" makes no difference, everyone will fit comfprtably while enjoying the ride. I researched many other cars, including the Land Rover Freelander, and the Subaru Forester, there is NO competition.

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  What is with all the noise! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By c. robinson - May 14 - 9:50 am

  Our Saturn VUE is a good but not a great car. Mileage on highway runs 34 mpg. Engine performance is excellent. Draw backs: Interior is cheap for the money. This is one of the noisiest cars I have ever driven. Have had it at the dealership 2 times, and still has problems. Sounds as though a train is coming in the drivers door. My 2002 F250 diesel Ford is much quieter than this car. And the resale value is horrible. Purchase a car for $24,000 and drive one year and get offered $12,800 for a trade on a new 2005 Vue. This tells me what Saturn thinks of there vehicle. Would not have purchased this car if I knew what it would be worth after a year of driving.

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  Best Kept Secret - VUE Best SUV imho - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By AmericanCarbuyer - May 13 - 1:20 pm

  Was on the market looking at different cars and decide to check out some of the small to mid size SUVs. Needed roomy interior, wanted performance, style, good looking reliable American vehicle. The VUE just blew me away with the interior room, features, performance and price. After first 1500 miles still really happy with the purchase and the dealership has been great!

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  Happy Saturn owner - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By shly - May 11 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Saturn Vue last November. We absolutely love it. It has great handling capabilities and is nimble. The electric power steering is awesome. The ride is carlike and comfortable. It is not top heavy at all. We also were pleasantly surprised when our car insurance dropped. We highly recommend it.